Ricky Ponting to lead Mumbai

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, has been named the captain of Mumbai Indians for the upcoming IPL season. Ponting was bought by Mumbai at his base price of US$ 400,000 in the auctions conducted earlier in the year. Ponting, who had earlier played for Kolkata Knight Riders, takes over from Harbhajan Singh.

The decision was taken in consultation with head coach John Wright, Sachin Tendulkar and chief mentor, Anil Kumble.

Kumble mentioned that the decision was taken by himself and Tendulkar.

"Ricky has a lot of experience to lead a competitive and a high-profile side like Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Sachin readily agreed to my suggestion that Mumbai Indians is best served when he leads the batting unburdened by the rigours of captaincy. It was our idea (Sachin and mine) to bring in Ricky as the captain of the Mumbai Indians," said Kumble.

Ricky Ponting, expressed his happiness and said: "It's a huge honour and I thank Mrs Ambani and the Mumbai Indians management for the faith they have reposed in my abilities. Mumbai Indians has the potent combination of Indian and International cricketers and I look forward to leading the team to play to its full potential."